Stress at Work: How it Impacts Employees’ Mental Health

Good morning!

Workers are largely experiencing high levels of stress, and a recent study reveals the extent to which this tension affects their lives outside of work. A report from Wellhub indicates that approximately 47% of employees feel that work-related stress is negatively impacting their mental well-being.

The **State of Work-Life Wellness 2025** report highlights that work stress is the primary concern for various generations, with 54% of Gen Z, 49% of Millennials, and 48% of Gen X identifying work as their main stressor. Lívia de Bastos Martini, Chief Product Officer at Wellhub, emphasizes that the rapid escalation of work-related stress can lead to severe repercussions.

‘It’s very scary. The ability for this type of stress to multiply very fast is much higher than any others. Nothing’s more important from an HR executive standpoint.’

The negative effects of mental health in the workplace extend into employees’ personal lives. Over half (55%) of employees note that their mental state affects their sleep, and 27% report strain on personal relationships. Furthermore, 22% say poor mental health leads to mindless eating or addiction to digital media, while 20% believe it diminishes their work performance.

Many employees cope with workplace stress through small indulgences, such as snacking or excessive screen time. Bastos Martini notes, ‘If you are feeling your mental health isn’t so good, it’s, ‘Oh, let me get a snack. That makes me feel good.’ If you’re not feeling very well, sometimes you can’t sleep, or you sleep too much.’

This ongoing cycle can trap workers in an unhealthy lifestyle. Interestingly, while 94% of CEOs believe they provide adequate mental wellness support, only 67% of employees concur. This discrepancy highlights a communication gap regarding available benefits.

To combat these issues, Bastos Martini recommends that companies implement comprehensive perks that cater to varied employee needs while also improving awareness of these resources.

‘Companies need to take action on this. Well-being is a virtuous cycle or a vicious cycle; otherwise, change doesn’t happen.’